Former Hawaiian Airlines hostesses and stewardesses, still lovely as senior citizens, will remember the World War II days and the USO at their dinner dance Nov. 2 at the Ala Moana Hotel’s Garden Lanai. Their organization is called Koa‘e Kea (named for a high-flying bird), and the gals still soar to the heights as they get up to hula and sing like they did during their flying years.
This year’s party theme is "The Stage Door Canteen," saluting our service men and women, and will feature Cathy Foy Mahi and five harmonizing Liberty Belles. Guests are encouraged to wear WWII fashions, satin gowns and 1940s hairstyles. The party is open to the public, but you must call Abbie Chong today, 262-5252, to ensure seats, $50. The evening starts at 5 with socializing and the music of Naluhoe — Vicky Hollinger, Kawika Maguire and Joe Recca. Dinner is at 7. Guests are encouraged to sing and hula kanikapila. Hale Rowland is the emcee; she always does a good job and brings back memories, often those that bring laughter …
IF YOU HAVE a spare $344,500 lying around, you can attempt to land a blue 2014 limited-edition Aston Martin Vanquish Volante convertible. It’s similar to the 1969 model owned by Prince Charles in which Prince William and his Kate drove off following their wedding.
The car is among the fantasy gifts in the 2013 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. Only 10 of these hand-built beauties will be made (to reserve one, call 888-756-0775 starting Oct. 23), and they will go faster than James Bond drove his Aston Martin. Another fantasy gift is Indian Larry’s Wild Child Motorcycle with a $750,000 price tag …
Speaking of 007, the music of James Bond will be featured in Sunday’s Hawaii Pops concert at 8 p.m. at the Hawai‘i Convention Center …
THE FINAL two performances of Diamond Head Theatre’s superb production of the musical "Cabaret" are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. The show’s principals — Drew Tandalas Master of Ceremonies, Samantha Stoltzfusas Sally Bowles, David James Bachleras Clifford Bradshaw,Shari Lynnas Fraulein Schneider andJeff Schmidtas Herr Schultz — all stand out. Good to see longtime pal Shari still struttin’ her stuff in fine style.
I was also impressed by the big cast dance numbers. Director and choreographer John Rampage has trained his charges to perfection …
"Gravity" star Sandra Bullock is a tour de force playing an astronaut, using everything she’s got and then some to survive after being stranded in space. The technical effects are fab. George Clooney, who portrays a senior astronaut, co-stars, but this is Bullock’s picture. Look for her to receive best actress award nominations …
SACRED HEARTS Academy’s annual Scholarship Fund Gala will be held tonight at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii Ballroom. A silent auction will start things off at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 7. Honorees this year are Suzanne Dods Chong Kee, class of ’62; Karen Ruth Dick-Kung, ’83; Rita Makini Gora, ’46; Elizabeth Chong Ho, ’57; and Momi Ka‘anoi, ’87. Call the academy at 734-5058, ext. 234, for $125 tickets …
ALOHA PETROLEUM held a dinner Oct. 1 at Kahala Resort for Janet Malone, a former "first lady" of the company. She is the widow of former President and CEO Tom Malone, who died in 2004. The dinner was both a birthday celebration and a farewell for Janet as she leaves Hawaii after 25 years this weekend. Current Aloha President and CEO Richard Parry and his wife, Lani, hosted the party at the request of Aloha Chairman Harry Cockrell and his wife, Rosna, who were unable to attend …
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Ben Wood, who sold newspapers on Honolulu streets in World War II, writes of people, places and things. Email him at bwood@staradvertiser.com.
